Step #3 – Courage – to make an appointment for a test.

I have a problem with claustrophobia, so the idea of a MRI hit me like a ton of bricks. I had to find a place that does open MRI’s, not closed.

I checked with my family physician where to go for the test. She said she would order Valium to help me get through the test. Also, she suggested taking my favorite music to listen to.

Still I had trouble calling for an appointment. Each time I picked up the phone I put it down without dialing. But if I wanted to know what was wrong with me, I had to have the test. It
would rule some stuff out and might just provide a diagnosis.

I prayed hard and made a call.

The Valium helped. The music helped when I wasn’t listening to the beating of drums. Loud beating of drums. A towel over my eyes helped, too. They called the machine open but it didn’t look very “open” to me. But hey, I can handle anything for 30 to 40 minutes, right?

Somehow I got through it and my husband managed to get me home and up the steps. Thanks to the Valium, I had a 4-hour nap.

Dear God,

I need help. First of all, I pray for the timing of the appointment. I pray I can handle being in the machine for so long. I pray the medicine relaxes me. I pray for the one doing the test. I pray he can talk to me during the test.

With you beside me, I can handle this. No pain compares with the pain you suffered – for me. Thank you for listening. Amen.

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13